The answer is: Because he was a man of war

1 Chr 22:8

King David is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating figures in the Bible. His story is rich with triumph, poetry, and intriguing dilemmas—like this one regarding God's house. When we read in 1 Chronicles 22:8, God essentially tells David that because he was "a man of war," he couldn’t be the one to build the temple. This line speaks volumes about the symbolic nature of sanctity and peace in establishing a dwelling place for the divine.

Remember, during David's reign, there were lots of battles! Picture him as a legendary warrior; streets filled with the rumors of his chronic warfare and command over men in battle. Consequently, the kind of atmosphere surrounding his tenure was far from peaceful—the opposite beat of what a sanctuary should ideally signal: sanctuary, refuge, and tranquility.

Interestingly, David’s son Solomon ends up fulfilling the task of constructing the temple. Solomon's name can be connected to the Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace. How fitting that the son of a warrior builds the house of worship! Before even lifting a stone, David shows his aptitude for leadership by planning for Solomon's future reign. His foresight is almost touching—a rock star dad passing down wisdom.

It's poignant to acknowledge that divine purpose often transcends human actions. Each individual, whether mighty in battle or filled with peace, plays a role in the unfolding of a larger narrative. So, David may not have built the temple, but the groundwork he laid was foundational and vital to the legacy that never truly ends!